Relentless

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /ɹɪˈlɛntləs/

Definitions

1. Continuing in a determined and persistent manner without stopping, weakening, or showing mercy
2. Unyielding in effort or intensity, demonstrating a fierce determination that does not waver or relent, and showing no signs of compassion or respite
3. Exhibiting an unwavering persistence and intensity, where efforts are sustained without pause or leniency, regardless of obstacles or challenges faced

Etymology: "Relentless" is simply "relent" plus the suffix "-less," and the two halves carry their meanings directly into the compound. "Relent" is the verb meaning to give up a hard position, to soften or yield, and "-less" means without, so the adjective describes something without yielding. The suffix traces back through Old English "-lēas," where it meant free from or lacking, and its ancestry runs to a Proto-Germanic root that also gave English "lose" and "loose" through a distant relation of meaning. The verb "relent" is the more interesting half. It is the stem that carries the sense of loosening or letting go, so a relentless force is one that never loosens its grip. The adjective therefore describes effort or pressure that keeps its hold, whether that is a storm, a deadline, or a person's determination.

Synonyms: unforgiving, persistent, tenacious, unyielding, inexorable

Antonyms: lenient, merciful, yielding, soft, forgiving